OCD therapist
OCD isn't about tidiness — it's about uncontrollable intrusive thoughts. ERP is the gold standard.
Therapists specializing in OCD. See which cities we cover and what a session costs.
Where to find OCD therapists
Frequently asked
I am an organised person — do I have OCD?
Probably not. Clinical OCD is defined by uncontrollable intrusive thoughts — fears of contamination, of aggression, of moral failure — together with compulsive rituals that bring no pleasure and only briefly reduce anxiety. Being organised by preference is a personality trait, not OCD.
How does ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) work?
You are exposed gradually to situations that trigger the intrusive thoughts — touching a door handle, for contamination fears — and you do not perform the ritual, such as washing your hands. Anxiety falls on its own through habituation. 14-20 sessions produce a 50-70% reduction in symptoms (Olatunji et al., 2013).
Can I have OCD and still appear "normal"?
Yes — many forms of OCD are purely cognitive: intrusive thoughts and mental rituals such as counting or repeating. They are invisible from the outside, and the person often hides them out of shame.
Does medication work?
SSRIs at higher doses than for depression are effective — but combining them with ERP is clearly superior. Medication alone is rarely sufficient.
Is OCD genetic?
There is a genetic component — roughly 25% higher risk with a family history. But most patients with OCD have no close relative with a diagnosis. Environment and formative experiences contribute significantly.